The Moravian Star

The Moravian star is a Christmas, advent, or epiphany star, which originated in Germany and spread to wherever the Moravian congregations went. Therefore, they're prevalent in places like Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, and other places settled by Germans. They're made to be illuminated. Traditional stars are white, but they've been made in other colors. There's even clear ones.

The first known Moravian star came from a boys' school in Niesky, Germany in 1830, probably as part of a geometry lesson. Math classes sometimes still use them today. Around 1880, Peter Verbeek, a graduate of the boys' school, started making them along with the instructions to sell in his bookstore. His son, Henry, formed a factory to produce the stars. Although it had some difficulties during World War II and communist occupation, it resumed operation. Today it's owned by the Moravian Church and is still making stars.

31-ft. Moravian star

Moravian stars are used to represent the Star of Bethlehem. The city of Wintson-Salem, North Carolina, founded by Moravians, uses the stars as their official Christmas decorations. The largest one in the world sits atop Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center's north tower during the holiday season. This star is 31-feet high. One of the prettiest Christmas trees I've seen was decorated in white Moravian stars and small candles.

At Old Salem

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